Chapter 1,140 The Drama Begins
Chapter 1140 The drama begins
"If there is no problem, then get ready to start. I can't wait now. I really want to know whether our Bavarian Crown Prince will win as always in this big gamble." The Kaiser listened to Tirpitz's comments about the whole story. He said after introducing the process of the exercise.
Regarding this exercise, the Kaiser actually came here just to watch the fun. What if the effect of this exercise is really not good? Do you swallow the spit you spit out? What are you thinking? Anyway, there are just two cruise ships parked in the port and unable to go to sea. Just tear it down. If you change it, it will cost some money, but for the sake of the relationship between the two countries and the fact that the Bavarian Legion is still pretty good, forget it. Anyway, now the Kaiser has figured it out, as long as the prince agrees to transfer a complete Bavarian army from the Eastern Front, then this little money is really nothing...
As for aircraft, how many more than 100 aircraft can the two aircraft carriers carry in total? You know, the German army now has more than 6,000 aircraft on the Western Front alone. Counting the training aircraft on the Eastern Front and the rear, reaching 5 figures is not a dream. It doesn't matter if you dial it out a little. (Historically, by the end of World War I, the number of German first-line aircraft exceeded 5,000.)
As for whether this exercise could achieve surprising results, to be honest, the Kaiser had little expectations. This is partly why the first exercise was not a success. On the other hand, he still doesn't know much about the Air Force. He can't have a deep understanding simply by looking at it on paper and battle reports.
"Ruprecht, let's go, let's board the flagship of the High Seas Fleet, and then observe this exercise up close. We can take a gamble, how about you guys here can also try it?" The somewhat jumpy Kaiser was completely Let go and finally get rid of the troubles on the Western Front for the time being. The Kaiser really wanted to enjoy life.
And in the officers' mess of the Bayern, a group of German senior officials headed by the Kaiser were looking at this exercise with a game attitude. In the distance, less than 3 kilometers away from the Bavaria, the battleship Saxony was making final preparations. Rear Admiral Becken personally stood on the bridge to explain the mission. Next to him is a referee team, which is used to make sure that there are no violations by both parties. Well, it is mainly to make sure that Major General Becken will not violate the rules, such as exceeding the speed limit, exceeding the power limit, etc.
To be honest, if you want to simulate a British battleship, you must not only limit the speed, but also limit the power. After all, the power required to sail 20 knots in a straight line and 20 knots when turning are completely different things. Therefore, the power of the battleship Saxony was limited to less than 22,000 horsepower. Just one-third of the maximum horsepower!
"To be honest, it feels really bad to be beaten passively. I regret it now. Even if they can't kill us, those guys buzzing in the air all day are too abominable." Major General Becker said helplessly to himself General Scheer, his old boss, said.
Until now, Major General Becker felt that he was always at a disadvantage, regardless of whether the opponent actually killed him during the exercise.
For example, a mosquito would be uncomfortable at best if no contagious disease is taken into consideration. To Major General Becker, these planes were like swarms of mosquitoes, which was annoying to watch. And even if the exercise is won, so what if the Saxony holds on? A warship worth 60 million marks survived being attacked by dozens of aircraft worth no more than 20,000 marks. What is there to be proud of? Would a tiger be complacent because he was not bitten to death by dozens of mosquitoes? What are you thinking about? It’s not embarrassing enough to say it!
"Don't underestimate these aircraft. Prince Ruprecht's military judgment has never been wrong. Just think of those aircraft as torpedo boats that can move in the air at a speed of more than 50 knots. In this way, I think you are right about them." There will be a clearer understanding." Lieutenant General Scheer seemed to see the disdain and contempt in the other party's eyes, and kindly reminded him.
"It makes some sense, but I feel that if those wooden bookshelves in the air can really replace the tightly manufactured and complex-firing naval guns, then wouldn't all our previous efforts be in vain? We can obviously defeat our opponents with the price of a table knife, then Why do you need a sharp sword?" Major General Becken said.
"You are right, but you are also wrong." The prince said after hearing what Major General Bekern said. The emergence of aircraft carriers has indeed gradually swept battleships into the garbage heap of history, but the cost of aircraft carriers is by no means cheap. Economically speaking, aircraft carrier fighter jets are composed of the aircraft carrier itself plus carrier-based aircraft. In terms of time, it will take more than ten years to perfect the truly formed aircraft carrier strategy and tactics!
"Okay, the drill is about to begin. Let the personnel get in place." Scheer said after glancing at the wall clock on the bridge. Three minutes later, accompanied by four light cruisers, the battleship Bavaria, fully loaded with high-level German visiting groups, also entered the designated position. At this moment, the two battleships were sailing northeast in an almost parallel attitude. In order to prevent misidentification of the target during the exercise. As a target ship, the Saxony also specially painted a huge X on the stern as an identification mark.
"The attack fleet will arrive in 15 minutes." When an officer informed the bosses on the Bavarian bridge about the progress of the exercise, everyone, including the Kaiser, immediately stood up and walked towards the glass window in the bridge. And the prince left the bridge directly and came to the deck. At this time, he could clearly feel that he was nervous. He had never been so nervous when fighting the British fleet, and his palms broke out in cold sweat, while Hipper next to him secretly handed the prince a handkerchief.
"You seem nervous," Hipper said.
"A bit. In my opinion, the significance of this exercise is greater than Operation Thunder-Sebrus. That battle only gave us a temporary advantage, and this time, we will be in charge of the trident in the hands of Poseidon!" The prince looked at Hipper, who is also from Bavaria, said.
"Ruprecht, as for that? Your performance is a bit beyond my expectation." Accompanied by everyone, the Kaiser walked slowly. After saying hello, he looked in the distance in the direction where the plane was about to fly.
"I still remember the scene when the Bavarian Air Force's bomber formation flew over my head for the first time during that exercise. I could feel their power, but I couldn't see their power at close range for the first time. This It's a regret, and I hope I can make up for it this time." The Kaiser continued, minding his own business.
"As you wish." The prince pointed to the distance, "They are coming!"
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